I remember when I read one of my first astrological books back in grade school. It mentioned a highly affable person who shook your hand vigorously, making him or herself your new best friend upon introduction. “Congratulations, you’ve just been adopted by an Aries,” the book read, and I thought—yep, that’s my mother.

If you were born between March 21 and April 19, your sun sign is Aries. Friendly, creative, and inventive, Aries makes a great leader. Self-confident and audacious, Aries is not afraid to make new friends, try new things, and really experience life to its fullest. Aries is symbolized by the Ram.

A fire sign, Aries is considered masculine and extroverted. Ruled by Mars, Ares is the first astrological house of the Zodiac, so it’s often the first sign people learn about (other than their own, naturally). Aries is considered most compatible with Sagittarius, Leo, and other Aries—all fire signs. No wonder my husband and mother get along so well!

Aries can be stylish and very original, with a flair for fashion and their own trademark “look.” Though usually quite organized and tidy, Aries isn’t the most disciplined zodiac sign and can quit projects easily. This is why they are better at maintaining groups of people such as committees to oversee and complete tasks. Aries usually has keen intuition and can predict things before they happen; they are also generally very articulate, either in speaking, the written word, or both.

Aries can have a quick temper and can often be selfish, though their courage and energy makes them very fun friends to have around. Daring and quick-witted, Aries is always up for a new adventure.

Some famous Aries include Aretha Franklin, Pat Robertson, Gloria Steinem, Timothy Dalton, Sandra Day O’Conner, Leonard Nimoy, Matthew Broderick, A. E. Housman, Vincent Van Gogh, Eric Clapton, MC Hammer, Reba McEntire, Diana Ross, Elton John, Christopher Walken, James Caan, Alan Arkin, Washington Irvin, Debby Reynolds, Ali MacGraw, Merle Haggard, and Harry Houdini.

Adventurous and confident, Aries can succeed in a variety of jobs, including military officers, police officers, and rescue workers. In fact, Aries are considered “born heroes.” Sales, public relations, and advertising are all great fields for Aries. With their strong business minds, Aries make excellent entrepreneurs, business leaders, and pioneers. Aries are generally “people people,” making them great with the public. Other good positions for an Aries include managing positions, bankers, mechanics, engineers, and pilots.